Into the Fire

Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles is the final book in The Natchez Burning Trilogy. 

This contemporary trilogy depicts southern racism at its worst, the best and worst of people in general, and this final edition of the Cage family is a whirlwind of "Did he or didn't he?" concerning the murder of Viola, former nurse and lover of the accused Dr. Tom Cage, as she's in the final stages of lung cancer. It's a riveting story after the initial meandering start which seems to be Greg Iles' style – at least in this trilogy.  

Dr. Cage's son Penn, mayor of Natchez, successful novelist, and former prosecutor in Houston, Texas, is being coaxed by his family to represent his father in his murder trial, but he insists he's no defense attorney and gladly yields that job to the aging master of defense attorneys, and old friend of his dad's, Quentin Avery. However, once the trial begins and Quentin warns Penn that he's taking an unconventional approach to his dad's defense, Penn's mom, sister, and Penn himself cannot believe how Quentin is allowing the vengeful prosecutor to paint Tom as a vicious killer who's caught on tape murdering his former lover. Most everything and everyone that the prosecutor brings to the jury is based on conjecture, circumstantial, or outright lies, but still very effective with no objections whatsoever from Quentin. Everyone on Penn's side is in an uproar, thinking the man is losing his mind with Penn demonstrating his near tantrum reactions to Quentin's choices. Until he finally begins to present his case.

Penn's recent tragedy from The Bone Tree (Book 2), has left him empty and holding a grudge against his father who's languishing in jail awaiting his trial and won't speak to Penn about his case or anything else that requires his gut-level honesty with his son. Penn's discussions with and the resulting threats to Quentin Avery show his embattled psyche over his beloved father who doesn't seem to want to be freed. Dr. Cage's health is poor and his odds of survival in any jail, let alone the destiny he's facing if found guilty of Viola's murder, are short and not-so-sweet.

With viable threats by the remaining "don" of the Double Eagle group on the loose, the insidious and vicious psychopath Snake Knox, bodyguards surround the Cage family. And even then they're not enough for some harrowing and horrific occurrences.

Filled with more tragedy, a little triumph, confrontations, shocking admissions, and a small but dynamic truce, Mississippi Blood gives readers an exciting and fitting conclusion to The Natchez Burning Trilogy.    

(There is plenty of profanity and explicit vulgarity in this novel along with a hint of the author's "politically correct" viewpoints.) 

Father, you've given talent and gifts to all. Only you can deliver us from evil and show us the truth. I pray that true blessing over Greg. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.